Five males aged between 16 and 21 have been arrested following a series of unlawful entries and the theft of two motor vehicles on Groote Eylandt.
Senior Sergeant Anthony Deutrom, Officer in charge of the Alyangula Police Station said two of the offenders were alleged to have stolen alcohol from a private residence in Alyangula at about 6pm yesterday before gaining access to and unlawfully using a Toyota Landcruiser from a compound near Angurugu.
“Police will allege the 21 year-old and the 17 year-old then consumed the stolen alcohol while driving the vehicle to Umbakumba. Reports that a vehicle was been driven in a disorderly and reckless manner around the community prior to rolling over were received by Police.
“Members found the vehicle but the offenders had left the area. The owners of the Landcruiser were notified and members secured the vehicle as best they could.”
Senior Sergeant Deutrom said that later in the evening the offenders have returned and again stolen the vehicle.
“The vehicle was driven back to Angurugu where Police will allege a number of co-offenders were picked up and transported to a local business where they have forced entry and stolen a quantity of alcohol.
“Later the group is alleged to have entered another compound near Angurugu where they have stolen a lap-top computer and the keys to a Jeep Cherokee which was subsequently stolen.”
Senior Sergeant Deutrom said the Landcruiser was then rolled a second time near Angurugu and a 17 year-old has received injuries
“The youth has been flown to Darwin in a stable condition and is very lucky not to have been more seriously injured. Four alleged offenders were arrested at the scene.
Senior Sergeant Deutrom said more arrests were anticipated and the Jeep has not yet been found.
"Police are disappointed with the recent property offending, and are calling on the community to report any suspicious behaviour in a timely manner. We will continue to pursue all of the offenders and hold them to account"
Anyone with information or who has seen a black Jeep with NSW plates is asked to contact Police on 131 444 or call Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000
